Author's Note: Thanks for coming along on this ride! Much gratitude and appreciation for hanging in there as we get closer to the finish line…
Raku's Apartment
Sensations she never knew possible radiate within as Raku revels in the wonders of skin-to-skin contact with the breathtaking woman lying beneath her. She closes her eyes tighter, not wanting to miss a beat of the bliss she's immersed in.
Bo raises her head from its tossed back position, examining the mischievous grimace plastered across Raku's face. For a moment, Bo feels a certain degree of sadness for the woman writhing above her clueless that Bo is only going along with this tawdry rendezvous to lower Raku's guard.
Never in her wildest dreams did Bo fathom Raku would react in such a drastic manner to maintain a presence in her life.
"Kidnapped and shackled by Raku. Nope, never saw that coming for sure."
In an effort to "prove" her engagement in this rendezvous, Bo whimpers and moans in an attempt to further loosen Raku's guard. She even arches her hips forward and pushes deeper into the bed, willing to do anything to gain Raku's trust.
"I'll find my way back to you Lauren." Bo utters this mantra repeatedly to herself.
Sensing Raku's further dissent into the fantasy world she's created in her mind, Bo places her hands on Raku's hips. She can feel the intensity of Raku's thrusts upon her thigh deepen and the wetness of her center increase. Bo continues the ruse with one goal in mind, finding her back to her beloved Lauren.
The demented woman opens her eyes slightly as if awakening from a dream. Her concentrated movements slow down. Bo wonders what the crazed woman will do next.
Suddenly, Raku slowly rises from her position as if exiting a trance. Her stylish, precision haircut is now sweaty and limp. Her expression is distant and contemplative. She gently grabs each side of Bo's face with her velvety soft yet clammy hands.
"No, not yet my sexy darling. This time, I want everything to be perfect for us when we make love again."
Releasing Bo's face, Raku leans down and lightly presses her lips against Bo's. She playfully tosses her hair and gazes deeply into her dark brown eyes before getting up and exiting the room. Raku securely closes and locks the heavy steel door, ending any hopes of Bo escaping.
Bo is stunned yet elated that she didn't have to fully submit to Raku's dark desire. Disappointment swells at the realization of her continued separation from Lauren.
Raku paces back and forth in her living room, disheveled and breathless. Soothing sounds of down-tempo deep house circulate throughout the room. She wants to fully claim Bo, explore every nook and cranny of the tantalizing target of her yearning. Then, doubts of Bo's affection for her invade her thoughts again. Raku quickly brushes them off and returns to the alternative reality she's crafted in her deeply delusional mind. Overcome with exhaustion from all the recent events, Raku drags herself to her bedroom and falls onto her large, comfortable bed before quickly falling into deep slumber.
Hale & Dyson's Private Investigator's Firm
Dyson and Hale move about with intention and purpose, making phone calls, sending emails, scouring their database for anything that will lead them to Raku's whereabouts. They are eager to interrogate the woman they think last had contact with Bo.
Hale listens intently to his lover. "Based on Lauren's description of her encounter with Raku and Kenzie's colorful account, Raku has certainly risen to the top as the prime suspect in Bo's disappearance. There's no need to contact the police. They won't lift a finger until 48 hours have passed, as we both know."
They both care about Bo very much and want to solve this case and bring their dear friend back home.
The focus and intensity of their engagement deepen, awaiting any leads they can stumble upon. Hale snaps out of his thoughts at the melody of his ringtone. He lights up at the contact flashing on his phone.
"Hey Dr. K, what's going on? How's it going? Definitely didn't expect a call from you on a Saturday night."
Dyson walks over and joins his partner, curious about the late-night call from Dr. Margarite Korsinger.
Dr. Korsinger shares that Dr. Lauren Lewis requested her help to collaborate with them on finding Bo Dennis. Hale is delighted at the chance to work with Dr. Korsinger again. He always enjoys the unique perspective she brings to the cases they work together.
A smirk appears on Dyson's face as he watches Hale completely absorbed in the conversation. He enjoys watching the light illuminating from Hale as he continues his long chat with the renowned Dr. Margarite Korsinger.
"Sounds good to me. We'll stay in touch. Always a pleasure Dr. K, always a pleasure."
A rejuvenated Hale ends the call and briefs Dyson on the conversation before they dive back into their search for any information about Raku's last known address, place of employment, local hangouts, anything they can find to track her down.
Lauren's Loft
The aroma of eucalyptus and spearmint permeate throughout Lauren's expansive designer loft. After spending quite some time in the hot bath, her body is more relaxed than before. She slips on a pair of matching black silk pajamas and desperately tries to quiet her mind. She tries reading, writing, and streaming a movie but nothing seems to help. She pulls her favorite blanket up to her neck and sinks into the comfort of her custom-made full grain leather sectional, staring ahead feeling helpless and desperate to be in the company of the woman she loves again.
She recalls the first time she met Bo and how spectacular she felt immediately upon laying eyes on her. Lauren remembers every single intricate detail of their first encounter. She reminisces about what Bo was wearing, how she moved, the flowing beautiful shiny dark hair, her flawless skin, the calming sound of her voice, her intelligence, and her enthralling overall aura.
Lauren's comforting reverie ends abruptly when she hears a knock at the door, more like an earth-shaking bang followed by an equally loud voice yelling the startled doctor's name. Lauren begrudgingly exits her comforting memories and the soothing weight of her blanket to investigate the continuous banging at her front door.
"Gosh Doc, how long does it take a person to answer the door? Jeez, my knuckles are starting to tingle and bruise!"
As she gets closer to her front entrance, Lauren recognizes the voice emanating from the other side of the grand modern door. She tilts her head and lets out a heavy sigh, preparing to greet Bo's eager to enter best friend.
When she opens the door, Lauren can't help but flash a grin when she notices Kenzie's "travel companions." The petite brunette is surrounded by a large rolling suitcase, an oversized backpack, and a huge shopping bag.
Before the sensational blonde can utter a word, Kenzie straps on her backpack, grabs the handle of the rolling suitcase with one hand and lifts the shopping bag with the other hand in preparation to enter Lauren's magnificent living space.
"Hey Doc, wow you move a lot slower than I remembered!" Kenzie blurts out as she brushes past Lauren, not waiting for an invitation. She plops her belongings down on the floor and scans every inch of the massive open floor plan of the first floor. Every intricate detail of the art, sculptures, furnishings, and other décor are impressive.
Regaining the ability to speak after overcoming the initial shock of her visitor, Lauren gives Kenzie a proper greeting. Although she's still a bit surprised by her presence, Lauren feels a sense of relief to have a familiar presence during this very difficult time. She appreciates the opportunity to have someone so close to Bo in her presence.
"Hi Kenzie, I must say I wasn't expecting you. Is there news about Bo?!" Dr. Lauren Lewis inquires.
"No news yet. I just thought I'd hop in a rideshare and swing by, hang for a bit, bond a little with my bestie's main squeeze."
"Swing by?" Lauren says, eyes absorbing the array of belongings surrounding Kenzie before her striking light brown orbs circle back to lock eyes with Kenzie's.
"Well, you know, I used to travel very light but that's changed over time as you can see. A girl must travel with all the necessities…clothes, footwear, accessories, makeup, and of course, gaming system console and gadgets. I even brought an extra controller just for you Doc! And booze, gotta travel with the booze. And yes, of course a bottle of wine for you."
Lauren stands in the grand entryway of her loft mesmerized by the rapid-fire speech exiting the petite brunette's lips a mile a minute.
Kenzie rambles on. "And in case you're wondering how I tracked you down. Three words…emergency contact list. Every household should have one. Well, we just started creating one… like over the past two weeks… but that's beside the point."
Lauren continues to be drowned in fascination by Bo's animated best friend. She gives Kenzie the grand tour of her loft and invites her to stay as long as she'd like. Kenzie "oohs and aahs" at the presentation of each room of Lauren's upscale, modern, downtown loft. She perks up and listens even more intensely when Lauren describes the state-of-the-art sauna, hot tub, snacks and beverage service, and infinity pool that she'll have access to during her visit.
"A girl could get used to this Doc. If circumstances were different…" The feeling of Lauren's hands on her shoulders ushering her towards her awaiting accommodations cause a pause in Kenzie's chatter as she excitedly anticipates which room she'll be staying in during her visit.
Kenzie is not disappointed upon arrival to the massive guest suite. Kenzie settles in, unpacking a few items and stuffing the dresser drawers. She sets up her expansive collection of make-up, spilling a dusting of glitter on the sleek blue bahia granite countertop. After setting up her things, Kenzie bops towards the living room.
"Hey Doc! Ready to get your game on?!"
Lauren readies herself for a late night of unpredictable entertainment, welcoming the distraction. The two women that love Bo most provide much needed comfort and support to each other.
"Come on Doc, perk up. Bo's coming back to us. I can feel it in my bones. And I'm sure you can feel it in your….in your…well…I know you can feel it too." Kenzie utters, dripping with snark.
Lauren closes her eyes and shakes her head. She can even feel a small smile spreading across her lips.
"Kenzie, thank you for stopping by. I think this will be mutually beneficial for both of us."
Lauren pulls her soulmate's best friend into a friendly embrace. The feeling of comfort that ensues warm their hearts, soothes them, and momentarily pushes away their deep worry and concern about Bo.